Respiratory effects of air pollution: the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to conduct research.

R Re es sp pi ir ra at to or ry y e ef ff fe ec ct ts s o of f a ai ir r p po ol ll lu ut ti io on n: : t th he e i im mp po or rt ta an nc ce e o of f a a m mu ul lt ti id di is sc ci ip pl li in na ar ry y a ap pp pr ro oa ac ch h t to o c co on nd du uc ct t r re es se ea ar rc ch h Investigation of the respiratory effects of air pollution were started in the late fifties after the important "air pollution episodes" in London, UK (1952) and in Donora USA (1948) [1, 2], when daily mortality increased on days with high levels of air pollution. These episodes clearly pointed out that urban air pollution may influence human health. This evidence encouraged research to focus on the identification of the pollutants responsible , and to start experimental studies aimed at identifying the mechanisms by which pollutants may act in the different parts of the respiratory tract. In addition, epidemiological studies were set up with the goal of defining a cause-effect relationship for different epidemiological variables (mortality, morbidity). Studies were initially devoted to the investigation of the possible effects of SO 2 and suspended particles [3]. Subsequently, the initiatives to protect the environment increased and important political actions were under-taken to reduce the burden of pollutants. Simultaneously, technical advancements were achieved to reduce, in the production process, the emission of pollutants (e.g. new devices for car exhausts, unleaded fuel, etc.). Similar examples may be reported for many industrial processes. Although a significant improvement in the quality of air has been obtained, especially in the developed countries , in the late 1960s and 1970s, urban air pollution is still present; however, with important qualitative modifications. Oxidant pollutants such as NO x , O 3 and suspended particles reacting with these substances (nitrates in urban air) are commonly present. In addition, many carcinogens and mutagens have been found in suspended particles (benzopyrene, nitropyrene, etc.). The presence of additional biological pollutants may cause serious respiratory problems, as demonstrated by the case of the asthma epidemics in Barcelona [4]. The current scenario of the developed countries is that of a deep concern about …